Nearly 200 people gathered on Washington Street in downtown Naperville Saturday morning to send a clear message: Vote in the upcoming midterm election. The rally was organized by Indivisible Naperville, the League of Women Voters of Naperville, and the American Association of University Women Naperville Area. It was one of many “No Kings: Vote Early” events occurring across the Chicago area and nationwide.
Locally, similar rallies took place in towns like Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Elmhurst. Demonstrators rallied for a march to the Naperville Municipal Center during the “No Kings Day Rally” on October 17, 2026, at the Washington Street Bridge in Naperville.
Encouraging Voter Participation
With midterms approaching, organizers emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the event, urging people to plan their vote. The location choice near the Naperville Municipal Center, an early voting site, was intentional. Donna Cheesebrough, president of the Naperville League of Women Voters, stated, “We want to be close enough but not interfering with voting, and encourage people to go vote early.” The rally’s theme, “Make a plan, vote early,” resonated with protestors holding signs like “Now or Never 2026 Midterm Elections” and “Rise Up! Take Back What’s Ours! Vote!”
Nick Owens, a Naperville resident and participant, expressed support for the Democratic Party and his dissatisfaction with the current administration. He aimed to contribute as an active citizen. Protestors voiced their displeasure with the Trump administration, chanting, “Vote them out.” The rally even attracted participants from outside the U.S.
Therese Bouchard, a Canadian, expressed her frustrations with the Trump administration, stating, “Every single day we hear about it, and I’m just really sick of it. If I could vote, I would.” Despite being Canadian, Bouchard has lived in Chicago for 12 years and strongly supports U.S. voting efforts.
Joyful Ambience Amid Political Tensions
Attendees described the rally as joyous and uplifting, with a Dixieland band providing lively music. Dianne McGuire, co-leader of Indivisible Naperville, organized the musical addition. She was inspired by hearing “America the Beautiful” played at another protest and wanted to replicate the experience in Naperville.
Simultaneously, DuPage County Republicans launched a counter-protest. Trucks with messages like “Say No To Pritzker The Tax King” and “Reject Socialism, Vote Republican” drove by the rally. Kevin Coyne, DuPage County Republican Chair, wanted to underline the protests’ irony, criticizing longtime political figures like Michael Madigan and current Governor JB Pritzker.
Coyne also noted that the goal was to encourage Republican voters to plan for early voting, which he believes they have been reluctant to embrace. When the counter-protest trucks passed, many rally attendees booed and turned away in disapproval. Don McBride, a Naperville resident, expressed his intent to oppose the Trump administration and advocate for voting, stating it is vital for future generations.
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